On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti What are Israel's goals in Lebanon?
Apr 8, 2026
Sarit Zehavi, a retired IDF lieutenant colonel and founder of ALMA, speaks on security along the Israel–Lebanon border. Imad Salemi, a Lebanese political science professor, discusses civilian displacement and Hezbollah’s role. They debate warnings, targeting, disarmament efforts, and the human toll of ongoing strikes and border tensions.
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Bomb Strike On Professor's Street In Beirut
- Imad Salemi described a bomb hitting a residential street about 50 meters from his home in Beirut during a supposed ceasefire.
- He said the strike had no warning, doubled local population due to displaced people, and left blood, fires, and chaotic rescue efforts in the streets.
Hezbollah Is Embedded In Civilian Social Fabric
- Imad Salemi explained Hezbollah is deeply embedded in Shia communities, blending social services with militia functions.
- He argued that Hezbollah's social welfare role makes it hard to separate fighters from civilians, complicating Israeli claims of precise military targeting.
Northern Israel Resident Runs To Shelters Daily
- Sarit Zehavi said she lives about nine kilometers from the Lebanese border and has been running to bomb shelters since October 2023.
- She described seconds-to-shelter warnings, houses damaged near her home, and frequent inaccurate Hezbollah rocket fire hitting civilian areas.